Zika Virus ELISA Kits, Proteins & Antibodies

Zika Virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus in the genus Flavivirus and the family Flaviviridae. This viral infection is transmitted via certain arthropods, such as mosquitoes in the Aedes genus. Thus, ZIKV is a mosquito-borne virus. ZIKV shares homology with Hepaciviruses and thus, may be the cause of Hepatitis.

ZIKV is well adapted to the human host and can multiply, causing reinfection in mosquitoes thereby infecting more people. This window lasts for the first week of infection wherein the virus is found in the blood of the human host. ZIKV can be passed on from a pregnant woman to her fetus. ZIKV infection during pregnancy can result in certain birth defects such as microcephaly.

The open reading frame (ORF) encoded by the ZIKV RNA genome is post-translationally processed into three different structural proteins (Capsid, pre-membrane and envelope) and seven non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B and NS5). The mature ZIKV virion has an outer surface containing 180 copies of Envelope (E) glycoproteins. The N-terminal ectodomain of each E glycoprotein plays a vital role in mediating viral attachment and post-entry endosomal fusion during the Zika Virus entry process.

ZIKV non-structural protein 1 (ZIKV NS1) is essential for immune evasion and viral RNA replication. This protein becomes glycosylated in the ER, thus, forming a dimer with the ability to traffic to multiple locations within the cell. In addition to elicitation of protective antibodies, NS1 is also responsible for direct and antibody-mediated attacks onto target cells.

Polyclonal/purified monoclonal antibody (MAb) administration functions in the clearance of viruses. Hundreds of ZIKV monoclonal antibodies have been developed and applied for diagnosis including; NS1 MAbs.

The Flavivirus genome produces a polyprotein consisting of over 3000 amino acids. In order to mature, this polyprotein is cleaved into three structural and seven non-structural proteins. As previously mentioned, NS1 is required for RNA replication and modulates signalling of the innate immune system. NS3 forms a complex with NS2B and subsequently functions as a serine protease. NS3 is responsible for the induction of apoptosis of host cells, as well as, modulation of host microRNA. NS4 A and B are necessary for RNA replication and play an important role in blocking type I interferon signalling. NS4 A induces autophagy, protecting hose cells from death during infection, while NS4 B modulates stress granules in host cells. Similarly to NS4 A and B, NS5 also blocks type I interferon signalling and is responsible for the capping and synthesis of RNA.

CXCL10 is a chemokine that has been associated with congenital malformations, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and foetal neuron apoptosis. This chemokine is induced by Zika Virus and is the most promising biomarker of acute ZIKV infection with high potential for clinical application. In a study examining the effects of ZIKV during pregnancy, it was found that the anti-inflammatory response in mothers infected with ZIKV was characterized by high CXCL10.

According to recent studies, patients infected with ZIKV present with a striking systemic inflammatory response and subsequent high levels of pro-inflammatory mediators.

In the acute phase of ZIKV infection, increased concentrations of IL-1B, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, IP-10, RANTES (CCL5), MIP-1A and VEGF have been noted.

Throughout the recovery phase of ZIKV infection, increased concentrations of IL-1B, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, 1L-13, IP-10, RANTES (CCL5), MIP-1A, MIP-1B, VEGF, FGF and GM-CSF have been noted.

• Measure up to 24 analytes by Flow Cytometry
• Only 15μL of sample required
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DC-SIGN, AXL, TYRO3, TIM-1, and TIM-4 are the primary entry/adhesion factors permitting the entry of ZIKV. AXL is the primary receptor responsible for ZIKV entry.

The most commonly used experimental animal models of Zika Virus are humanised mouse and non-human primate models. Rodent models including rats and rabbits have also been implemented in Zika Virus research. Guinea pigs, hamsters and pigs are described as being susceptible to Zika Virus and therefore, are also considered useful animal models. Assay Genie offers a wide range of animal model ELISA kits with the potential to support the advancing field of Zika Virus research.